Alaska Update?

[Fox2]

Any Alaska folks have an update on negotiations, possible hiring? Last posts indicated
Alaska may not be able to meet their scheds this summer without hiring off the street.
Also, any word on the union accepting pay cuts...if so, what's the latest number thrown
around?

Lastly, my online app. indicates the phrase "attached" next to app. Anybody else have this,
and any idea what it means?

Thanks

 

[Ted Striker]

I also show the "attatched" on my app. Not sure what it means though.

 

[Singlecoil]

Both sides recently exchanged openers for contract negotiations. Ours were very specific, theirs were very vague. In a nutshell, they want unspecified cuts in hourly rates, cuts in min guarantee, fewer days off for reserves, elimination of the defined benefit plan, etc. We want more pay, more days off, more retirement, etc. I believe this will be resolved under binding arbitration by May of 2005, when the current contract expires.
Supposedly they are pre-canceling some flights this summer due to lack of crews. They could run classes right now, but those pilots won't be on line in time. Pilots in the guard have been extended for another 6 months, which also didn't help the staffing situation.
My W.A.G is that they will post a bid in the next couple of months with an effective date of 1/1/2005 that will have new hires on it. Classes will start late summer/early fall to fill that bid. I would predict new hires will be based in Seattle and Anchorage. Anchorage is very senior right now, but I think the aforementioned bid will significantly expand the ANC 737-4/7/9 base to get the base to a more efficient size, and save money on hotels in Anchorage.

 

[mach none]

I have heard from a very reliable source, one of the LECs. We will have a bid this fall with an effective date of Jan. 1, 05. They plan on draining the pool and placing most of the people in ANC and LAX. Some also will go to SEA. The odd thing is, they are going to open about 20 Capt. seats for the SEA MD base. Of course, this is subject to change. Atleast the company finally figured out we are understaffed. I also think once the contract is settled, the hiring flood gates will open.

As far as the contract. Who knows. I don't think either side wants to get as far as binding arbritration. We can opt out of the arbritration and no strike clause if it gets that far. The company likes having that. It is worth something to them.

 

[flx757]

As I mentioned in another thread, they have really ramped up hiring in the training dept. They have or are in the process of filling several instructor positions on both aircraft, as well as a new 737 Flight Ops Training Manager. It is my understanding that training will begin in earnest again this fall.

I also know of at least one for sure (and rumors of several more) who are in the pool that will be turning down the class date offer when it comes. So, I think things will begin to get very active around here by Sept.

As as aside, we were told that June and July would be slow, so to get our requests in for vacations and time off, etc., since there would not be much happening, but after that, there might not be much time available. Better to take the time off now. So, I took my weeks in July.

 

[ratherfish]

Some questions

1. How commutable is the job? Probationary year, on reserve, line holder? I was thinking about Spokane, WA.
2. What's it going to take to return to profitability?
3. Are the LCC's and lower ticket prices going to slowly eat up routes/profit? I understand ALK has some what of a lock on the state of Alaska, but what about everything else?

Questions 2 and 3 came up after reading this comment which I've cut and pasted from another post:

".....Follow "traditional" advice, be more concerned what Kit Darby says with such things as calling USAir "THE airline to go to to work for" and "avoid '2nd tier' airlines like Southwest if you have a choice" and also not check debt to equity ratios and get hired at airline that you think will afford you a "guaranteed retirement plan" and next thing ya know there is no growth, no upward movement in seniority, then you are part of a bankrupt airline, and then finally you are laid off."

I'm not trying to flame. These are sincere questions. Thanks

 

[SeaSlam]

refusing class dates???

Hey flx757,
Just curious about your comment concerning the guy(s) in the pool turning down the class date when it's offered. What's their rationale? Were they hired by JetBlue, SWA, or FedEX or are they just tired of putting their lives on an indefinite hold? ~SeaSlam

 

[AK737FO]

Flx757
You have heard of guys in the pool who will turn down their class date? Where did they go - Southwest or Jetblue I assume? I know the guys in the pool have been doing the back stroke for a long time, it is just unfortunate that some didn't hold on long enough.
There are several guys up here who are in the pool. Every time I run into them they are pumped up and ready to roll as soon as the phone rings. Alaska grown boys know there is no better game in town if you want to live in your home state.

A July vacation! Enjoy it! I will hang up my hat with about 30 years service to the Eskimo, I hope I can hold a July vacation in ANC for the last two or three... I am glad to hear that you will be busy this fall though.
AK737FO

 

[FRQTFLR]

I heard a very similar rumor today as posted earlier from Mach None & Singlecoil. It came from from someone involved in the union, stating that it looks as though the company is going to post a bid by early July '04. It would add to the -400/NG ANC base and show class(es) for new hires in October '04. Maybe just another dud...hope not.

 

[ACAFool]

I heard a very similar rumor today as posted earlier from Mach None & Singlecoil. It came from from someone involved in the union, stating that it looks as though the company is going to post a bid by early July '04. It would add to the -400/NG ANC base and show class(es) for new hires in October '04. Maybe just another dud...hope not.

And if it is from a union guy it must be true. Got my fingers crossed but wouldn't get my hopes up quite yet. It seems most of the bs rumors always either start with "I heard from a union guy" or "I heard from a reliable source in the training department". Remaining cautiosly optimistic.

 

[mach none]

The guy in question was involved with a conference call with Randy Sorenson. I believe he is the head of crew planning, or atleast very high in the food chain. We are going to hire. There is no question about that.

 

[AK737FO]

Todays rumor

A SEA 737 instructor told me today that he was told to expect a November class. Take it for what it's worth.

 

[FL510GV]

I figured it was time for a new round of rumors, thanks for keeping the mill churning.

Guys who can't make the class dates? Hmmm, how about the activated guys at TCM? Rumors are flying about another extension and there are at least 6 in the pool that might be affected.

 

[Kool]

Let's hope something happens soon. I'm now 5 months out of the cockpit since separating from the Navy and my 50 hours in 12 months is going to hit the limit in just about five more months...Any thoughts regarding how stringent they are regarding this requirement? Does it only apply until interview time, or until one gets asked to start a class?

 

[MsFan]

The C-17 Reservists working for (or poolies with) Alaska currently have orders through August. I don't want to go out on a limb and say we'll be extended another 6 months.

But I will. You can count on it.

 

[Rhino]

More rumors...

I also heard from two Alaska pilots at my reserve squadron yesterday that "word on the streeet" is to expect an Aug/Sept class date, taking folks from the pool.

I enjoy hearing more of you chiming in with similar good news!

flx757, please keep the school house stories coming!

 

[FL510GV]

Here's some fun info... Reserves at TCM were sent an email from the CC that said, "expect to serve the full two years", while stating that there was NO official word yet. At the same time, we were asked what-if questions pertaining to "how much can/will you be available if we're deactivated", i.e. will you take orders... at least it sounds like someone is asking the right questions; but, of course no one knows the answers. We will know by July 5. This affects Alaska in that there are around 30 Alaska pilots activated and legend has it that the Company is expecting them back in August (our current deactivation date). If McChord is not deactivated does that mean classes sooner for the pool? Your guess is better than mine.

 

[Rhino]

From yet another source...

Just received an email from a friend who was jumpseating with Alaska yesterday. The crew said that there was a bid out. This was already alluded to in a previous post. Anyone out there with details on the dates? July bid with Jan 05 effective still the case??

Those of us in the pool are getting pretty shriveled skin by now and we are ready to towel off! Waiting for the lifeguard's whistle, "Everybody, out of the pool".

 

[ACAFool]

Just received an email from a friend who was jumpseating with Alaska yesterday. The crew said that there was a bid out. This was already alluded to in a previous post. Anyone out there with details on the dates? July bid with Jan 05 effective still the case??

Those of us in the pool are getting pretty shriveled skin by now and we are ready to towel off! Waiting for the lifeguard's whistle, "Everybody, out of the pool".

No Bid.

 

[Big Air]

They are planning a new hire class this fall. So says a CA that just returned from recurrent.